Who we are and what we do
The Bonfire Boyes have organised the annual Bonfire Night celebrations in Winchelsea since 1996, reviving a tradition that is particularly strong in Sussex. Since 1999, we have staged bonfires in Rookery Field (courtesy of the National Trust and Wickham Manor Farm). Although a small society, the Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes have earned a reputation for putting on magnificent firework displays. The event is very popular with families, as the Bonfire Night celebrations in neighbouring towns like Rye and Battle are very crowded, and can be intimidating for small children.
The Bonfire Boyes also put on special firework displays for national celebrations like the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and the 50th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days. They also mark the start and finish of the two-minute silence on Remembrance Day in Winchelsea by firing maroons.
 
The Winchelsea Bonfire Boyes are a member of the Sussex Bonfire Council.
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night begins with the Guy being paraded through the village on a cart accompanied by a torchlight procession, which starts off at about 6:30pm and marches through the village from Castle Street to the Rookery Field, led by our drummers. The Guy is then placed on top of the bonfire and those members of the procession carrying torches gather round to recite the Bonfire Prayer, after which, torches are thrust into the bonfire to light it. In 2009, we burnt our first effigy.
 
After the Guy has been burnt, there is a firework display. Since 2004, the fireworks have been set up and fired by professional pyrotechnicians. Their participation permits larger and more spectacular fireworks than would otherwise be allowed. You can see more pictures of Bonfire Night 2009 in the photogallery.
 
If you are coming along...
The Bonfire Boyes welcome all friends of Bonfire. All we would ask is that you behave responsibly. Among other things, please take care of the torches being carried in the procession, do not bring your own fireworks or sparklers, and keep a close eye on any children that you bring along (all children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult). It is a good idea to wear boots, as the bonfire field can be wet, and there may have been cattle or sheep about! You should also take care walking across the field, which is very uneven. Those with or in wheelchairs can comfortably watch the event from the verge outside the field. Please contribute generously to the collection: it's good value. And, when we get to the bonfire, join in the recitation of the Bonfire Prayer!
 
The Winchelsea Bonfire Prayer
Remember, remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes
‘Twas his intent
To blow the King and Parliament;
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow;
By God’s providence he was catch’d
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Hurra boyes, hurra boyes, make the Town ring.
Hurra boyes, hurra boyes, Winchelsea for the King.
Bonfire Night by Lucia Comotto, age 3
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Dates in the Bonfire Boyes' calendar
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The Importance of Being Earnest in the garden of Cleveland House (fund-raiser): Friday, 20th August 2010
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High Summer Hog Roast (fund-raiser): Saturday, 28th August 2010
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Show of Hands in concert (fund-raiser in Rye: part of the Rye Festival): Saturday, 15th September 2010
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Bonfire Night (when we burn the money): Saturday, 6th November 2010
Volunteers
We need lots of volunteers to build the bonfire, carry torches, dress up and marshall the procession. Bonfire building starts at about 10:00am on the morning of Bonfire Night, after a (full English) Bonfire Breakfast at the New Inn at 9:00am, at which we hold our AGM. Come to the breakfast or just come along to the bonfire building, in which case, wear old clothes and wellies, and bring gardening or working gloves, if you have them.
Volunteers are even more welcome to help clear up on the day after Bonfire Night. We start at about 10:00am.
If you would like to become a Winchelsea Bonfire Boy, contact us via the Winchelsea Community Answerphone on 225333 or e-mail us directly.
Paying for Bonfire Night
The Bonfire Boyes need at least £2,600 a year to pay for fireworks, insurance and other expenses (see our inspected annual accounts). This money comes from a collection held on Bonfire Night and several fund-raising events during the year, notably the popular Curry Night in February and Asparagus Night in June. We have occasionally received grants for equipment. Use of Rookery Field is provided without charge by the National Trust and Mason Palmer of Wickham Manor.
Organising Bonfire Night
An awful lot of hard work goes into organising Bonfire Night. Notifications have to be given to the Ambulance Service, English Heritage, the Environmental Health and Licensing Departments of Rother District Council, the Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service and various units of Sussex Police. A written risk assessment and proof of insurance cover has to be provided to Rother District Council and some of the other agencies.
Great care is taken to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. The procession and bonfire are well marshalled, and the firework display is managed by professionals, who are separately insured, produce their own risk assessment, ensure that safe distances (as specified in DTI guidance) are placed between the audience and the firework display, and that debris falls away from the village. We also have a child protection policy.
Thank you for grants
The Bonfire Boyes have been lucky enough to secure grants from generous donors for equipment, including drums. We should like to thank the O2 Community Foundation and the Sussex Community Foundation.
Firework Collector
If you have old fireworks, Tony would like to hear from you. He buys them! Call 07956-506300.
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